One-Pan Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta

Name: One-Pan Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces; 1 packet ranch seasoning mix; 2 tbsp avocado oil; 2 tbsp minced garlic; 1 lb ziti pasta; 32 oz chicken broth; 1/4 cup bacon bits; 2 tbsp whipped cream cheese; 4 slices pepper jack cheese; 1 cup frozen peas

This one-pan chicken bacon ranch pasta combines tender chicken, crispy bacon, and creamy ranch flavoring in a single skillet for a quick weeknight meal. The entire dish cooks together, minimizing cleanup while building rich, savory flavors.

🌍American 🏷️One-pan pasta 🏷️Chicken pasta 🏷️Chicken bacon ranch 🏷️Ziti Weeknight dinner

🏷️

🏷️Easy recipe

-0:00

applesauceandadhdonTikTok

Total

35 min

Servings

4

Difficulty

Easy

Est. Cost

$20–$33

Recipe Source

View original recipe

From TikTok · by applesauceandadhd

-0:00

applesauceandadhdonTikTok

Ingredients

1 lb chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
1 packet ranch seasoning mix
2 tbsp avocado oil
2 tbsp minced garlic
1 lb ziti pasta
32 oz chicken broth
1/4 cup bacon bits
2 tbsp whipped cream cheese
4 slices pepper jack cheese
1 cup frozen peas

10 Ingredients

Delivery in as fast as one hour.^*

Powered by Instacart

Prices vary by store

^*Service fees apply. Instacart^® and the Instacart logo are registered trademarks of Maplebear Inc. d/b/a Instacart.

Instructions

1
Cut chicken breast into bite-sized pieces. Season generously with ranch seasoning powder.
2
Heat avocado oil in a large, deep skillet over medium-high heat. Add minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
3
Add the seasoned chicken to the skillet. Cook, stirring occasionally, until it is mostly cooked but still slightly pink inside.
4
Add the dry ziti pasta directly into the skillet with the chicken.
5
Pour in the entire box of chicken broth. Stir everything together until the pasta is mostly submerged.
6
Bring the mixture to a simmer, then cover the skillet with a lid. Cook until the pasta is about halfway done.
7
Uncover the skillet and stir. Add the bacon bits, a large dollop of whipped cream cheese, and the slices of pepper jack cheese.
8
Stir until the cheeses have melted and created a creamy sauce.
9
Add the frozen peas and stir to combine.
10
Place the lid back on, turn the heat down to low, and let it simmer for a few more minutes until the pasta is fully cooked and the sauce has thickened.
11
Give it a final stir, serve immediately, and enjoy.

Was this recipe helpful?

Tips & Notes

Pro tips

Cut chicken into uniform bite-sized pieces so it cooks evenly and doesn't overcook on the outside while the center remains raw.
Stir frequently once the pasta goes in to prevent sticking to the bottom of the skillet and ensure even cooking.
Add cream cheese off heat or at very low heat to prevent it from becoming grainy; whisk it in gently to distribute evenly.
Reserve 1/4 cup pasta water before draining if you need to adjust the sauce consistency at the end.

Substitutions

Chicken breast → boneless skinless chicken thighs (add 2–3 minutes cooking time)
Whipped cream cheese → heavy cream or sour cream (use 1/4 cup; cream cheese creates thicker sauce)
Pepper jack cheese → sharp cheddar or Monterey Jack (adjusts heat level)
Bacon bits → cooked diced pancetta or smoked sausage (maintains smoky, savory flavor)

Storage & make-ahead

Store leftover pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat with a splash of chicken broth to restore creaminess.

Common Questions

Can I use fresh garlic instead of minced garlic?

Yes. Use 4–6 fresh garlic cloves, minced, in place of the 2 tbsp minced garlic. Fresh garlic will add a sharper bite but deepens flavor.

What if I don't have ranch seasoning packets?

Mix 1 tbsp dried parsley, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp onion powder, 1/2 tsp dill, 1/2 tsp chives, and salt and pepper to taste.

Can I prep this ahead of time?

Cook the full recipe and store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat with a splash of broth to restore creaminess.